Western Washington University's Michael Smith shares his insight on the history, steps and innovations, and evaluation methods of their recognized, Award-winning Green Cleaning program.

Western began its Green Cleaning program in 2000. That year, we reduced our chemical product inventory from over 60, to down to 20 all green products with three main daily products in use by our staff. We eliminated use of any solvent-based products in 2001 and eliminated all petro-chemical base products in 2003. In 2002, we began using Sustainable Earth products and implemented the use of microfiber products for all wiping, dusting, dray and wet mopping and finishing application.

We are always testing and evaluating new product lines for effectiveness and "greenliness." All products are dispensed in closed ratio portioning systems and our staff is trained twice a year in product usage and safety. Our ongoing goal is to clean using only water and/or dry steam vapor for all standard processes, completely eliminating the use of chemical products. We have successfully reduced the use of quaternary disinfectants and biocides from our cleaning operation.

By not using products that have medium to high levels of VOCs, we have managed to reduce health impacts and improve client workplace quality. We clean with water where possible to avoid leaving health-affecting residues. In concert with our student health center, we have partnered a high profile hand washing campaign which utilizes notices on restroom mirrors to promote healthy hand care.

Vacuum scheduling is done so that areas lower in the buildings receive more frequent attention, thus reducing the frequency required to service areas deeper or higher into the buildings. We are also using barrier matting to assist in preventing materials from initially entering buildings.

Team training is a large part of Green Cleaning operations. All new hires receive a 60-day training and orientation program with classroom lecture, PowerPoint presentations, and webinars on all aspects of the Western's cleaning program including team and Green Cleaning. Student workers are also evaluated on their knowledge of the Western's cleaning program and must pass a final examination with a grade of 80% or better. We have implemented an extensive SOP/staff training program that deals with process in every task on a shift by shift basis for interim maintenance projects. We team in all of our assigned buildings.

In 2008, we began to use "touchless" (Kaivac) cleaning systems for all restroom, shower room and locker room cleaning, keeping within the guidelines established by our MRSA prevention program. At present, all restrooms are cleaned with the Kaivac system every two weeks and all shower rooms are cleaned with Kaivac daily.

Job inspections are now scheduled weekly in conjunction with spot inspections and random walk-throughs. We are implementing the use of ATP meters to assess the levels of bacteria on surfaces to monitor proper sanitation and provide data regarding cleanliness to our clients. We are in the pilot stages of implementing the Breeze software assessment program, where all aspects and areas cleaned are inspected for quality using dedicated PDA software driven evaluations. This program will allow us to provide work loading information and a greater degree of quality control.

back